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Visiting Niseko soon? There are three main transport options for getting around in Niseko: via rental car, shuttle bus or taxi. In our guide below, we’ll provide an overview of the different transport options, along with tips to help you get around Niseko more easily and safely. Let’s begin: Rent a car in Niseko Hokkaido’s well-maintained roads make for easy driving during the summer. But during wintertime, the road conditions can be hazardous. Plus, there’s also the problem of limited parking during the winter – covered parking lots are limited, and while public parking is available, these spaces may not be easily accessible due to the heavy snowfall (you’ll need to be prepared to shovel a lot too). Driving around Niseko during winter isn’t recommended unless you’re experienced in driving in extreme winter road conditions. Niseko Auto – 37-97 Aza, Yamada, Kutchan, p. +81-80-5586-3490. Open 9am – 6pm Mon -…

Mention Niseko, and one immediately thinks of its world-class powder snow, excellent ski conditions and top-notch ski accommodations. In different periods across the winter season, there will be changes in the weather, snow conditions, prices, dining and nightlife options and other key factors. To help you better plan for your trip, we’ve provided a quick overview for Niseko ski season below: Start of Niseko ski season: Late November – early December Average temperatures: -1°C to 6°C (November) & -1°C to -7°C (December) Night skiing: Unavailable Backcountry gates: Open (depending on weather conditions). Monthly observed snowfall (2018 / 2019 season): 84 cm Lift lines: There aren’t that many vacationers in Niseko during this period, so you can expect short lift lines. Restaurants, nightlife and events: The majority of restaurants commence their operations at the start of December, and you’ll find a good selection of dining venues open before then. The nightlife…

Mauritius is such a small country that only stretches across an area of 2,040km², there are no trains or trams on the island. On the other hand, because Mauritius is so tiny, it’s surprisingly easy to get around: in fact, you can actually travel from the North to the South of the island in just three to four hours. We’ve made getting around Mauritius even easier for you. Check out the guide below! Roads in Mauritius The island has quite a clear network of roads, with the three main ones being: M3, which links Terre Rouge to Verdun in the North, passing through Port-Louis, the capital M2, which links Port Louis to the tourist village of Grand Baie, in the North of the island M1, which links the airport in the South East to Port Louis. This is the most important road on the island since it also passes through the…

Unlike its neighbouring countries, this tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean called Sri Lanka remains to be under the radar. But that is its charm—the calm beaches, unspoiled greeneries, and relatively uncrowded tourist attractions. Sri Lanka is the go-to destination for wanderers who are craving for a luxury but an out-of-the-ordinary tropical vacation. Though a bit small, you’ll be surprised by how packed this beautiful island is when it comes to activities, tourist attractions, and whatnot. Wondering what to choose? Check out our top 10 activities in Sri Lanka for some inspiration! 1. Indulge in Sri Lankan Cuisine First things first—food! Sri Lankan cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures, brought about by its rich colonial history. Needless to say, the local food is one of the most delicious contributions to the Asian food scene. Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine have many similarities. Other ones are Dutch…

There are a few basic amenities and services that when well-done go unmentioned. However, should they not be available to the guests, you’d better prepare yourself for some complaints! Here are the 6 most important amenities your guests are looking for. 1. Welcome drinks In warm and humid tropical destinations like Bali, it’s always refreshing to have chilled, fresh juice upon arrival. This instantly puts a smile on your guests’ faces and is an easy way to make them feel welcomed. It sets the right beginning for the holiday – they know that they will be well cared for during the stay. One important note is that guests are expecting freshly squeezed/pressed juice, not store bought juice. If your guests are coming during autumn or winter serve them something warm like coffee, tea, or a decadent hot chocolate instead. Going above and beyond: You can up this game by paying…

Whether you are looking for artisanal furniture, designer handbags or sarongs and souvenirs, Bali is a shopper’s haven. The island’s long history of craftsmanship skills has been passed down through the generations. As a result, villages specialise in a myriad of trades, including printing, woodcarving, textiles, weaving, rattan furniture, and more. It’s this incredible history, matched with the inexpensive price tag, that makes buying Bali furniture so appealing. Love a piece of furniture at your Seminyak villa but not sure how to get bulky or heavy items, such as furniture, back home? Although this can seem like a daunting task, it really is quite straightforward. Here’s how. 1. Know what you want to buy Furniture at Villa Shantika, Seminyak As with most things in life, a little basic preparation can help the whole process run more smoothly. Provided you know in advance of your trip that you will want to bring heavy items…

Living on the incredible island of Bali means different things to different people, perhaps endless poolside cocktails for some, living the expat life for others. But for me, the excitement lays in the homewares shopping. What once was endless window shopping has now turned into an ever-growing obsession with the amazing interior design stores that the island has on offer! For those of you who are just visiting and may not have as much of a chance to explore Bali’s many meandering streets and alleys (after all only so much time can be taken away from the pool and cocktail bar – oh the stresses of holiday time management!), here is a quick guide to some of best Bali homeware stores that you simply must visit. Kim Soo Kim Soo (@kimsoohome) is one of Bali’s most dreamy interiors and homeware stores. The entire shop is extremely photogenic, in fact, you’ll…

Are you planning a trip to Thailand and looking for the best villas in Phuket? Then make sure you check out this list of amazing Phuket properties for rent! We have found and reviewed the most outstanding villas in Phuket for you to choose from. 1. Villa Napalai Villa Napalai is a tranquil Phuket rental property, located in the beautiful beach-side town of Surin beach. This amazing private Phuket villa consists of four furnished bedrooms and a stunning infinity-edge swimming pool overlooking the ocean. The villa also has a number of other convenient in-house amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen, gym, spa, games room and luxurious living spaces. Each of the four bedrooms has their own en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, stylish interior furnishings and plush linen. The master bedroom is located on the upper floor and has a luxurious spa bath with magnificent views out towards the ocean. We are deeply in…

Everybody is telling you to use Facebook to promote your villas. They say that’s where people hang out nowadays, and you’ll want to be part of the conversations. But how exactly does Facebook help your villa rental business? What can you do with it? At Villa Finder, we use Facebook as one of the channels to promote the villas. Here are our top tips to get started: 1. Know your audience You can’t target the whole world. While there were over 5 million people coming to Bali in 2018, not everyone is your target audience. There are backpackers, schoolies, etc. and a villa stay may not be what they are looking for. You need to speak to that someone who will enjoy the villa the right way, probably the same way you feel when you build it. For example, are you a passionate yogi so you have a yoga bale…

Snow-covered mountains, lush green hills, a massive lake, Wanaka is an amazing family destination in New Zealand, just a short 1-hour drive away from Queenstown! Unspoiled, stunningly beautiful and a great holiday destination all-year-round, you and the kids are bound to have an unforgettable time here in Wanaka. Find yourself the perfect family home in the centre of town and off you go, exploring all the highlights, viewpoints and family activities. Travelling to Wanaka with kids? Here are 10 family activities in Wanaka for a wonderful holiday. 1. Family fun at Lake Wanaka Beautiful Lake Wanaka is the main attraction point in this lovely tourist town. As expected, most of the activities and tours are happening on and around this enormous lake. Indeed, Lake Wanaka is one heavenly playground for families with kids and the views are breathtaking! There is an endless list of things to see, do a and…